Okay, finally had time to sit down and watch today's press release. Here is my take.
For starters, I am admittedly not a big fan of JR, due to his tendency to jump to unsubstantiated conclusions and the whole grandstanding bit. For example, his "speech" to the alleged SK during Shannan's funeral, was, to my mind, bizarre, and made him look more like a morbid attention seeking creepy clown than someone to be taken seriously. But that is just me. As for his present claim that Burke "is now within the circle of suspicion?"
All that I can say is, ORLY?
Seriously, afaics, the man has really stooped to a new low by prostituting Leanne in today's media stunt.
Oh, and. Speaking of Leanne?
I, personally, believe her. Primarily bc her explanation of why she got into the business, to "pay for school", echoes another escort from the NYC area that I encountered ages ago.
The latter was a high-end escort who serviced 2, maybe 3, clients. Importantly, sex was a very small part of their relationship. That, and she was paid beau-coup bucks. So, it wasn't all that surprising that she used her looks to pay her way through school. One could argue she was similar to the high-end escort portrayed on the fictionalized, Criminal Minds episode, "Pleasure is my Business," though, imho, she was, by far, more beautiful than the actress who starred in that particular show.
But, I digress.
The point is, I think Leanne seemed genuine. As for what she revealed? If the individual she encountered was, in fact, James Burke... not really surprising. Recall from episode 8, there are allegations that SCPD regularly partied at Gilgo & Oak Beach, and one of SCPD's 'so-called' watering holes was the Gossip Nightclub in Melville, which allegedly included escort "services," at one point in time. So, if anything, imho, Leanne's claim seems to support Hawk's claims.
As for JR's allusion of Burke as serial killer? Doubtful, imho. From what I know of the man (which is admittedly very little) and as sex-addicted as he allegedly is, he doesn't strike me as either the butcher or someone who needed to troll the waters of CL or BP, or any other online ad site for sex. The latter is bc it would be quite unnecessary for someone in his position as a LEO, along with allegations that he tended to abduct/rape his alleged victims. Which points more toward impulsivity as opposed to planning.
With this in mind, I do think it is possible he could have been involved with or known what occurred to Shannan. Primarily bc he could have encountered her at Brewer's party. That is, assuming he was actually at Brewer's party.
Anyway, that's where I'm at with this latest revelation, at this point in time. At least, until further information argues otherwise.